Cornelius enforces property maintenance standards under the NC Minimum Housing Code and the Town's Unified Development Ordinance. Conditions such as accumulated junk, inoperable vehicles, structural decay, and unsanitary conditions may be declared public nuisances subject to abatement.
Under N.C.G.S. §160A-193 and §160A-441 et seq. (Minimum Housing Standards), Cornelius has authority to require abatement of nuisance conditions. Typical violations include accumulated trash, junk, scrap tires, rodent harborage, unsafe structures, and graffiti. The code enforcement officer issues a notice of violation giving the owner a reasonable period (often 10 to 30 days) to correct. Failure to comply can result in civil penalties, town-performed abatement with costs recorded as a lien, or criminal misdemeanor charges under state law. Severely dilapidated structures may be ordered demolished after a public hearing.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Cornelius, NC
Aircraft noise is preempted by federal law (FAA) and not regulated by Cornelius. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is approximately 20 miles south and ...
Cornelius, NC
Construction activity in Cornelius is restricted to 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM Monday-Saturday with no Sunday work permitted in residential zones. Emergency rep...
Cornelius, NC
Persistent barking, howling, or animal noise audible beyond the owner's property for more than 15 continuous minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes violate...
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius defines abandoned vehicles per NCGS 20-137.7 as vehicles left on public property over 7 days or private property without permission over 24 hours. ...
Cornelius, NC
Cornelius prohibits parking on public streets for more than 72 consecutive hours per Town Code Chapter 10. No overnight parking is allowed on designated stre...
Cornelius, NC
Fences 6 feet and under generally do not require a building permit in Cornelius but still require zoning compliance review. Fences over 6 feet require buildi...
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